Boots

Can I just point out that I've lived in two well-known rain capitals in my life and never owned a pair of rain boots? At least I can’t remember owning a pair.

As a person who meticulously plans everything, after the acquisition of our small fur-baby I started to realize that I would be spending countless hours trudging around the block during rain storms once fall arrived. Derek, being the loving fiancé he is, purchased me the most gorgeous pair of Navy Hunter Wellies for my birthday.

I sit here today, with the rain streaming down, patting myself on the back for finally owning a pair. They’re gorgeous, they keep my feet dry (and my jean cuffs dry – wet jean cuffs are my biggest pet peeve), and I look absolutely fabulous in them. I don’t really understand how I survived without them.

Now, to finally complete my life, I shall be ordering a pair of fleece Welly liners to keep my feet warm during the Winter as well.

Rumour is that we’re getting snow this weekend, YUCK! Although, my hatred of snow is somewhat overshadowed by the excitement of my tiny puppy playing in the snow for the first time.

I vote that we abolish Monday's

Monday’s are horrendous – especially when it’s dark past 8am, it’s pouring rain like you’ve never seen it before, you didn’t sleep well and you go to pick up dog poop but it turns out there was no bottom of the bag and you end up grabbing the poop with your fingers. Lovely, I know – what made matters worse is that I was one poop bag short, and with two dogs you need multiple bags. So when my parents dog went to the washroom, I had nothing to pick it up with and a lady started yelling at me.

So to recap; I hate Monday’s, poor Derek is sick on his deathbed downstairs, and my parents are enjoying fruity tropical drinks in Mexico.

Our photographer has posted the rest of the Engagement photos on her blog – we love them and can’t wait to get some hanging around the house. I want to blow one up for above the bed, but Derek won’t let me. How does that saying go? It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission?

PS - the above photo has nothing to do with Monday's or this weekend - I just thought you hadn't seen enough photos of Lexi lately. Here's some pictures from the summer, including her first swimming lesson with Daddy

Irrational fears

If I wasn't nervous and jumpy enough, Derek's managed to add a new fear into my life - going to prison and becoming someone’s b**ch. I am now officially terrified of being sent to prison. Sure, I haven't ever committed a major crime worthy of a prison sentence - actually, that's a lie.

I once accidently shoplifted eggs from Safeway 12 years ago... I didn't mean to, I was babysitting and needed to get groceries for the family and placed the eggs into the stroller to carry them because I ran out of room in the basket.... and sure enough, I forgot they were in there.... Out of guilt however, I always donate to those Safeway charities at the checkout and have more than made up for the $4 I owe Safeway... ugh, okay.... now I'm feeling terribly guilty about those eggs again. Hmmm, can you go back and pay for something you accidently took 12 years ago?

Anyways, back to my important irrational fear - Prison. We were at Costco last night, and Derek stumbled upon the DVD's of his past favourite T.V. series - OZ. We watched the first episode and it was enough to scare me straight for the rest of my life.


There are some scary, scary people in prison - and despite my boxing skills, I'm a huge pansy and sissy... I'd be forced to join a gang for protection, and unless there's a Scottish bagpipe pride group - there's no one else for me except the Aryans... I don't want to be an Aryan a) I would like my body to stay swastika free b) my head is too lumpy and misshapen to be bald, and c) I'm 100% against what they philosophically stand for, so we would probably clash there....

Which leads me back to being terrified to commit any sort of crime... Derek was pretty quick to point out that given my moral piety and fear of pointy things, I won't ever be in the situation... but just in case I ever even contemplate it, I now am officially scared straight. Consider myself warned.

Seriously –should I call Safeway? This is now bothering me a lot… what if they read this and send me to prison? Could I buy a dozen eggs (they weren’t free range) from Safeway, and then sneak them back onto the shelf so they can sell them again?

Wednesday Randomness....

On Monday I rocked a great fall outfit complete with sweaters, thicker pants and a scarf - I was too warm.

Tuesday I unpacked my newly put-away Summer wardrobe and rocked a thin blouse, belt, light black pants and a thin shell jacket - I was freezing cold.

But I think I finally found the right combo today. Black skirt w/tights, summer shirt but with a fall sweater & scarf - great success!

On that note, 26 more sleeps until we take possession. I would post photos, but Derek won't let me until we have OUR furnature in the space.... so all you get is the outside - this doesn't really capture how great our new place is.... but eventually you'll see that for yourself.

I've never been more excited in my life (except when going to Disneyland).

Indeed... I am surprised.

At 25 years of age, thanks to the Internet, I didn’t think much would surprise me anymore… I was wrong

1. I am surprised that two boys could live in an apartment for five years, without cleaning out or ever opening a cupboard of food that the previous renters had left behind. I am surprised by the smell of five year old food, and I’m surprised how much scrubbing to took to remove the stains left behind.
   
2. I am surprised by the colour of the water after you clean the carpets of an apartment that has only been vacuumed a handful of times in 5 years. I am also surprised by the amount of gunk I had to clear out from the carpet cleaner every five minutes (despite me vacuuming the rooms several times beforehand) (don’t worry mom – your cleaner is fine)
   
3. I am surprised by how much stuff my boyfriend owns… which is now piled into my garage. I would not be sad if a thief came and accidently tossed out several boxes of old magazines/CD’s. I have a sneaking suspicious they may be ‘stolen’ next weekend….
   
4. I am surprised that I love my boyfriend just as much, if not even more, despite the fact I have spent the past four days with rubber gloves, bleach and a chisel cleaning out his former apartment.
   
5. I am surprised that the boys managed to get their damage deposit back.
   

Despite how much work it took to move, it was completely worth it. Der and I fit well together…. I’m sure we’ll have our moments (like when he forgot to take out the garbage this week… despite me leaving a note) but I believe we’ve started a beautiful thing.


And as per usual, my apologetic note:
June flew by, I’ve already been at my new job a month, and July is so busy that it’ll be over before I know it. I’m sorry I’ve been so negligent, I need to get out there with my camera – but at the moment the battery is dead and I’m unable to find either of my two chargers.

I’ll take lots of photos though once I find one of them – and post them for your viewing pleasure. Because I know you all only read this blog for the photos.

V is for Vacations

Derek and I usually head off to Tofino for a week in June, and Mexico for two weeks in September…. but it looks like because of my new job, which I haven’t officially gotten yet – we won’t be able to take a Vacation until December…. and that’s a long time without vacations, probably not for most people… but for the Sun loving, vacation taking people we are, it is.

So our plan was to hop down to Mexico for one week during the middle of May. But a wee piggy flu has created this mass media hysteria, causing tour operators to cancel all Mexico travel. Which isn’t a huge deal…. but this cancellation caused everyone to rebook in Cuba & the Dominican, jacking prices WAYYY up plus there are no direct flights from Vancouver right now… meaning an overnight layover in Toronto, which is lame and ends up wasting 2 days (return) of beach time.

Anyways, so we were looking at going to Hawaii for a week… but flights are pretty expensive for the days we’d need…. and because we can’t do the all inclusive thing there, we’d end up spending a lot more than we wanted to make it a decent vacation……. although Hawaii is still a possibility… I’m looking into it today…..

However, my newest idea is driving down to California & back. Derek and I love driving road trips…. driving to Calgary in one day (10 hours) is no problem (and fun!) for us, and we could totally do a longer day of driving…. so possibly leaving Vancouver and just booking it as far as we can possibly go down in one straight shot. I’ve heard of friends making it to San Fran, no problems in 1 day (Ash… I know you still blog stalk me… I need trip details of when you did it.)

So yea, possibly hitting up the Cali coast – camping/moteling it? Good idea? Anyone out there done this? is 8/9 days waaaay to impossible to enjoy ourselves? Emily, we may end up on your door step in Santa Cruz in a few weeks =)

D is for Deck.......

....daquiries, dips and mohito's.... okay, so not Mohito's, but I will drink plenty of them on the new deck I helped build at my parent's house. That's right! I helped build. I learned how to use a hammer and a drill! I'm pretty pro.... but don't even bother asking me to help you - it's sooo much work, and I've seen enough spiders now to last a lifetime. Here are some photos of the new & old Deck..... it's nothing too impressive, but it looks way better. You know what IS impressive though? - My cookies I made. White Chocolate Skor Chip...... mmmmmm so chewy and delicious

A photographic Essay: Stuffed Bread without a recipe

Enjoy

bread

my newest obession is making french bread

i've made four loaves this weekend

happy easter

January

Just a few pics from January... Derek has some better ones from Surfing, but I didn't take many for some reason. So I'll try and harrass him to get them, but he tends to not share/never upload his photos.

You've got to be kidding me

I've managed to use this line (You've got to be kidding me) four times at work this morning. And no, I'm not kidding you.

My first time today, was when the Tim Hortons line I stood in, despite only have 7 people in front of me, took 16 minutes.
Ugh, you've got to be kidding me... Pour coffee faster

My second usage came a short 3 minutes later, when I rounded the corner to my office building only see a huge line up of several hundred people. The elevators were down, and I work on the 22nd floor.
Ugh, you've got to be kidding me..... At least my meeting isn't until 9

My third was when I finally made it through a 30 minute line up to use the one elevator that was working, which took me up 22 floors only to find out my boss needed donuts for the meeting, and that I had been nominated to go back downstairs.... to Tim Hortons of all places.
Ugh, you've got to be FREAKING kidding me....I hate being the new girl

My fourth line and final utterance of that damned line was used after I sweated & hoofed my way up, in 3 inch heels i might add, 440 stairs with a box of donuts in hand.... only to get to the top and hear the fire alarm come to tell us there was a fire on P3 and to stand by for stairwell evacuation..... YOU'VE GOT TO BE ABSOLUTLY F**KING KIDDING ME... I'd rather burn

On a happier note - I added Twitter to my phone/life. You can now follow me constantly with Twitter. I found that our Premier (Gordon Campbell) is on Twitter, so I started following his tweets, and I saw this morning that he added me as well.... so now the Premier gets an update about my life every few hours. It's nice that he cares so much =) (Ps. he follows 500 people, so I'm not special....)

If you're Twit... follow me =) I promise I'm not boring.

The internet is my friend.

Have I ever mentioned I hate surprises? I really do. I dislike the uncertain, I’ve always been nervous in new situations, the obvious would be starting a new job, meeting new people, joining a class or group and even simple things like trying a new restaurant, going into a clothing store I’ve never been in before or trying to drive somewhere I’ve never been. Not many people understand this, or even would believe me – things that seem like they shouldn’t be big deal to anyone, really are huge issues for me.

That is why the Internet is my best friend. I research EVERYTHING before I do it. I use google maps to get exact directions, to locate parking, and find out exactly how many minutes it’s going to take me to get somewhere. I use google to research restaurants, events, concerts, vacations (tripadvisor.com is amazing for this) Disneyland rides, Disneyland hotels, restaurants & menus around my locations. Somethings I can get by with by observing other’s social cues– like ordering a sandwich from a new deli (this took me two months to build up enough courage to do at my work’s food court – the first time I was super anxious, but the second time I didn’t have to think twice about). I have no clue how people lived without the Internet before? Phone calls? Phone calls also make me nervous, and usually I rehearse the conversation in advance so I know what I’m going to say. The internet doesn’t judge if I make a mistake, I can always press the back button.

So if you’ve ever traveled with me and wondered why am I so obsessive compulsive about time, lists and organizing details, now you know.

This anxiety doesn’t bode well for me in the next few months when my living situation & job security (my contract expires) are up in the air. I can already feel my blood pressure rising, and I woke up this morning stressed to the max with my shoulder tightened and my teeth clenched. It’s a story for another day…. Perhaps when it all works out in the end.

I think it’s time to google Xanax.

Ps. My strategy of not digging out my car in the hopes that the snow would magically go away, worked. The trick is to park overtop of a storm grate, so when the flooding rain arrives, the City is forced to dig around and in front of your car to allow the water to drain; thus freeing your car of snow allowing you to drive without anysort of manual labour. Thanks City of North Vancouver – I’ll pretend that $25 dollar parking ticket you made me pay a few months ago went toward the digging labour.

Christmas?

I know, I'm a bad blogger. I don't even deserve the title of a blogger, I'm just some chick who occationally strings together sentances of nonsensical crap in order to make herself feel important.

However, today I have time to update. The snow in Vancouver has been insane and not typical at all. It went from warm & rainy in November to freezing cold, to bucketing snow.... and now it's sunny. I woke up this morning to almost a foot of snow - that NEVER happens in Vancouver so it obviously shut down the city and enduced panic in anyone who needed to venture out.

Work declared a snow day, but I'm such a brown-noser and came in anyways. I'm one of 5 people (out of like 50) at the office today. I regret my decision to do so, because now I'm stuck here with no chance of leaving.

This weekend was a ton of fun, busy but fun. My best friend Michelle flew into town, promping a huge get together involving dip & drinks at my apartment followed by sneaking into a bar and some dancing (it was too cold to wait in line). I haven't done that sort of thing since April.... and I paid for it the next morning, thankfully around 1:30am we stopped off at a European Fry house and got some amazing Poutine. Mmmmmmmm Fries, Cheese Curds & Gravy. If you're not familiar with Poutine I suggest you get out there and some - my uncle, visiting from Kuwait, wasn't familiar and everytime I said Poutine - he heard Puchine - which is this crazy Irish moonshine, made out of potatoes.... so for a good 15 minutes, he thought I capped off my evening of drinking with some moonshine, he was much more impressed with my Puchine story than me just eating fries.

My bestest wishes to everyone this Christmas season (can you believe it's only 3 days away?). I have no clue where the year went..... however, the joy of blogging is being able to go back and find out. I think it was filled with lots of Tofino, Mexico and Derek - just the way I like it.

Merry Christmas, I love you all for reading this blog, and even getting upset when I don't update =) It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy... and when it's -10 in Vancouver, you need that warmth.

I'm attempting to get my crackberry this week - I'm trying to convince my cell phone provider to charge me $15 for unlimited data instead of $45... so if I'm successful, I'll get my berry - and then I can post more!!!

Surfing in Tofino

Currently in Tofino, having an amazing time with some really great Friends... just thought I'd share a few photos from the day. The swell is getting bigger and bigger, hopefully we'll have more great photos and stories from tomorrow.







Right now, we're digesting a big dinner... playing a little guitar hero on Wii, and about to hit up the hottub for the second time tonight.

I'll post some more photos tomorrow after another great day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So I am one step closer to being in a Christmassy mood. I put up my tree last night! Yes!!!!! I love the face I got to decided every single detail on the tree, from the decoration colour, to the ribbon to what's going to go on top
(I have yet to place the top bow).

My mom and I went shopping on Sunday and I picked out my colours, bought matching pillows for my couches (which are acting as presents at the moment) bought my first few ornaments and last night Derek brought over this old Christmas tree that makes' Charlie Browns look half decent. I had only planned on using 1 type of ribbon, but after decorating the tree, it became apparent that I needed another... thankfully I had picked up a spare spool of ribbon in teal, and it worked as a great contrast. Unfortunately I threw it up hap-hazardly, so it needs to be redone.

I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with the out come so far..... I was originally debating between brown & teal or a peacock theme tree.... now I wish I peacocked' it... Any suggestions from you crafty people with an eye for style? Perhaps some icy blue ornaments? Or even some wintery white ornaments? I haven’t seen the tree in the daylight yet.... perhaps the ornaments are noticeable in the daytime... right now I feel it's a bit too dark.

New Car

You know that dreaded dentist appointment that comes around once every 6 months? I had mine last week, and was declared to have some of the best brushing habits she's seen (I always angle my brush towards the gums.... it took like 5 years of having bad teeth to figure it out)... anyways she did however mention I was a terrible flosser... ummm actually I'm a delinquent flosser. I HATE flossing.... but I've decided to turn over a new leaf, I've pledged to myself that I will floss EVERY day until my next dentist appointment, so I can be a superstar brusher & flosser. Plus, I'm also not on a dental plan right now and cavities are expensive.

So yup - so far I've flossed 5 days in a row. It's starting to actually become a routine, and I'm not bleeding after every floss. I can't wait until my next dental appointment (already booked for May) so she can praise my amazing flossing skillz.

On a sad note... my car died. Sigh... I was super unhappy because I went to the dealership to buy a new car, and they wanted money for it!? Seriously? People PAY for cars?? Ugh.

However, I finally had it towed down to the Beetle Spa (super amazing mechanic, waaayyy better than VW) and I just got word that my repairs would be around $400... which isn't too bad, since I was expecting $1500+. He's also repairing my sunroof leak for free... which VW charged me $2000 to do 6 months ago... and didn't. So yea, the Beetle Spa gets an A+..... VW dealership... not so much.

Anyways, I'm getting rid of my Jetta, and now need to look for a new car. I want something reliable (which excludes VW), nice looking (I'm still a snob... just a poor snob), and something decently priced. If I buy new, I get a warranty.... but it's more expensive then buying used. So many decisions to make. I still really want a Mazda CX-7.....

but it's about $7,000 out of my budget at the moment.... I really don't like any cars out there at the moment I can afford.... a Mazda-3 is affordable,
but I'm not a big fan of the body style (no offense to anyone who drives one)...

I like the Mazda 6, but that's pricey and Derek won't give me his for free..... I like Toyota Trucks/SUV's....

but I can't see myself behind the wheel of a Corolla, it's a bit too Mom-Car for me.

So any suggestions? Does anyone drive something reliable, decently priced (under $20,000) and worthy of me?

I didn't forget you! I've just been too lazy to blog.

Sorry... I know I havn't blogged in awhile, but my internet at the apartment hasn't been working and I've been busy. Working hard, shopping hard (nine west outlet, lululemon & Michael Kors = poor) and just generally enjoying life. In 2 weeks time my friends and I head up to Tofino for our annual group surf trip... it’s usually a gong show and I can’t wait! Hopefully my waterproof camera holds up and won’t break, so I can get some wicked surfing shots!!

I did the worst possible thing last night for the first time ever – I stood up a friend for coffee. My good friend from University and I were to have our monthly (more like once every 3-4 months) coffee date last night, we had sent emails back and forth about how excited we were for it, and she even emailed me on Tuesday saying she had panicked last Thursday because she thought it was last week and had missed it... we laughed.... but in the end it was I who missed our date.

I have a million good excuses as to why it happened (bad day x 1000, migraine all day, car problems, dentist appointment (Cavity free!!! Woohoo!!), swollen painful eye, ect.) but in reality... there was no excuse, and no excuse is going to take away the feeling of guilt and shame that I have.

Kari, who is world’s most gorgeous, sweet, understanding women, was completely amazing about it, sympathized with me and made me feel like less of a total failure, but I still feel terrible because that NEVER happens to me! I’m the queen of the calendar! I’m always early, and there! Ugh.... So now I need to reschedule with her, show up 10 minutes early with a huge thing of flowers and buy her coffee... but that’s okay.

Today I’m stuck at the gym coaching all day.... it’s already 9am and I’m about to start my 3rd class, followed by my 4th, 5th and 6th....... I can’t wait for this day to be over so I can go back to bed.

RIP Grandma

Just a quick blog update... since I know some of you LIIIIIVE to hear what's going on in my life. I've been really busy with work, and life in general.

Nothing really blog worthy.... so I'll dedicate this one to my Grandma who passed away on Friday Afternoon.

I was really lucky to have the day off on Friday, so I was able to see her before she passed. I really don't have much else to write about her..... she's was a pretty funny lady... I don't think she really meant to be, but I sure did get a kick out of her, especially towards the end. She had a life full of hard knocks, and yea I think that shaped her a lot. She reminds me to enjoy each day I have in this world, and to make a positive impact on those around me.

So yea, if you're on the praying variety, a shout out to my family would be highly appreciated... and if you're more of the incense burning, dancing in the meadow type you can do that to in her honour. I'm also collecting bottles of wine for myself in lieu of Flowers. Please... seriously, no more flowers - we ran out of vases long ago.



Marcia Lenore Johnston (1922-2008)

No time

It has been a stressful week.

I haven't had any time to myself, or any time to edit any Victoria photos. Below is all I've managed.

I'm away on Business (back to Victoria) Friday-Sunday, so hopefully I'll have downtime in the evenings (and internet in my hotel) to post. I am gearing up for Mexico though... 10 more sleeps

Someone please make decisions for me... just make them the way I want it.

Does anyone have this clear picture in their mind of what they think God looks like? I must admit, despite all my faith education, I have been heavily influenced by The Simpsons, (yes the tv cartoon) and their portrayal of God… he’s big, yellow and has a long white beard, walks barefoot… seriously the almighty Lord, my Savior….is a cartoon in my mind….. (please don’t smote me)

Anyways…. Currently I have this picture of God in my mind, sitting in this pimp gold/wood chair staring at me with one eyebrow cocked, in sheer amazement at my attempts to dodge His will. He’s carefully lining up an opportunity for me, and I’m ignoring it with all my might… he then tips back his head and laughs and makes it even MORE obvious to me what I should be doing… and yet I fear… and I cower… because His will is not my own. In fact… His will is scaring the crap out of me and pushing me WAY WAY out of my comfort zone…. I love my comfort zone, I keep it for good reason.

I’m seriously freaked out that God has taken such an interest in my life and made it soooo clear to me what I should be doing…. And yet, I still am doubting it…. This could all just be a series of coincidences right? Right???

Yea… I didn’t think so either.

Adonai, Adonai, Adonai… aidez-moi